Sports, celebrations of history, and music will highlight Saturday’s activities during the 38th Annual 8th of August Emancipation Celebration Festival tomorrow.
Sports events and their chairs include the Golf Scramble (Larry Hampton), the Matt Tipton 5K Run/Walk, Softball (TK Hampton), Dustbowl Basketball (Chris Moses) and the Corn Hole Tournament (Monte Bell). Sites and starting times can be found in the accompanying schedule.
The Flag Ceremony will be conducted by Michael Frank and members of American Legion Post 269 at 10 a.m. Civil rights icon Dr. Charles Neblett is expected to address those assembled.
A highlight of the weekend will be the Emancipation Parade with professional basketball player Pedro Bradshaw of Russellville the parade marshal. See a tribute to him below. It starts at 10:30.
Tours of the SEEK Museums are available all weekend. Contact Michael Morrow to arrange that.
Music along with food and craft vendors will be available most of the day at Hampton Park.
Saturday’s activities conclude with a street dance at Fifth and Morgan streets. DJ Brandon will provide the music, beginning at 9 p.m.
Meet Parade Marshal Pedro
The following is a tribute to Pedro Bradshaw, written by Rochelle Jackson Sydnor:
He was raised by his grandparents, Virginia Bradshaw and Ricky Rogers. He was the quiet, tall kid in the corner with the big smile. He is known for being kind and courageous with grit and determination that has opened doors that landed him on the career path he’s on today.
Pedro is a 2017 graduate of Russellville High school where he began his basketball career under the leadership of Coach Phil Todd. He has been declared as one of the all-time leading scorers and rebounders at RHS. After his high school career as a Panther, he signed to play at Belmont University in Nashville for a brief period and then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University where he spent the 2018-2019 season.
In the pursuit of turning his dream into reality. Pedro understood it was time for him to align himself with a team where he could accomplish his goals. This decision led him to Bellarmine University in Louisville, which was one of the top ranked contenders in NCAA Division II. He quickly earned a starting position and led the team in scoring and rebounds, earning him a spot on the multi-state regional all-star team.
Pedro’s tenacity and hard work secured him an Exhibit 10 deal with the Indiana Pacers for the pre-season where he became the team captain. Most recently he played for the Cairns Taipans in Australia. Pedro states he is carefully considering where he will spend his next season.
When asked what he would like to say to his hometown after being selected as the Parade Grand Marshal, Pedro said, "I’m excited and honored to be a part of any type of celebration back at home. It gives me the opportunity to surround myself with the people who’ve helped me become the man I am today. I’ll forever be grateful and appreciative for your support throughout my career. I hope to continue to make you all proud. I love you all!"
Come out and support Pedro at the 2025 Emancipation Day Parade Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning at 10 a.m. on E 5th Street and ending at the Hampton Park in Russellvillee are looking forward to seeing each of you!